A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I really appreciate it. I'm going to be upfront about this chapter. I have taken excerpts from two of my other stories, tweaked them, and combined them into this chapter. At the same time, I added new scenes around those excerpts. It has always been my intention to tie my two Christmas themed stories into this one. That being said, I don't want you to think I'm cheating or being lazy. Like I said, I have tweaked those excerpts and added new scenes so I hope you're good with that. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
"Ma?"
"Yes, Monkey." Marissa glanced at her youngest daughter. Gabby had recently made the decision that she was too old to call her mothers 'Mommy', and had opted to follow the example of her older brother and sister. She now called Marissa 'Ma' and Bianca 'Mom'. While both women were a little sad by the change since it meant Gabby was growing up, they understood. The couple had also noted that this change occurred right around the time Danny started calling them 'Mama', and they knew it wasn't a coincidence. Every once in while though, Gabby would slip and call one of them 'Mommy'. They wouldn't bring any attention to it when she did, but they did cherish it when it happened.
"Do we have carrots for Santa's reindeer?"
"We do. I picked fresh ones up at the store yesterday. I think they deserve them because they're going to working really hard tonight. What do you think?"
As much as Miranda and AJ wanted to roll their eyes, they couldn't, not when they saw how excited their little sister was. The birthday twins just exchanged a knowing look and grinned. They would only admit to each other that they were having fun playing along with Gabby about Santa, and they knew they would be the same thing for Danny in the years to come.
Gabby smiled brightly and nodded. "Yep, they sure do! Flying around the world with Santa is an awful lot of work. Don't forget that we need hot chocolate for Santa to go with his cookies."
Marissa winked. "I won't. We'll make it later and put it in his special mug, and before you ask, we'll put his cookies on his special plate." While they were in Devon, the family had found a matching mug and plate in one of the shops that they all agreed was just perfect for Santa's Christmas Eve treat.
"Thanks, Mommy!" Gabby grinned. The girl was too caught up in her excitement to catch her slip, but Marissa had caught it and simply smiled.
"You're welcome, Monkey.
/
Marissa glanced at the clock on the wall in the kitchen. According to the weather report she had just watched a few minutes earlier, the weather was getting bad further north. Today however, New York City and Philadelphia had all of her focus. While she knew Bianca had managed to book earlier flights out of both cities, she hoped they were early enough, and that her wife didn't get stuck in either city. Both women were worried that something might come up to cause Bianca to not get home in time to celebrate the holiday with their family. With this fast approaching snowstorm, it looked like their fears might come true because the City of Brotherly Love was directly in its path, and according to the weather reports, it would be getting hammered by it. Marissa was unsure of what this meant for her wife, and she hadn't heard from her since they had talked the previous evening. The redhead was growing anxious and decided to call Bianca to see where she was and what was happening. With the kids occupied in the family room, Marissa pulled out her cellphone to call her wife.
/
Bianca glanced up at Philadelphia International Airport's departure board and sighed. No matter how hard she looked at it, the line on the board didn't change. U.S. Airways Flight# 4995 to Pine Valley was still cancelled. This sudden snowstorm in the region early Christmas Eve morning had thrown a huge wrench in the travel plans for thousands, leaving them as well as Bianca stranded. She just couldn't be stuck in Philadelphia. With another glance at the board, the brunette made up her mind. She was not going to miss their youngest child's first Christmas. Bianca was going to make it home, no matter what. A decision made and resolve strengthened, the brunette picked up her carry-on suitcase and headed to the Hertz Rent-a-Car counter.
The long line she found had Bianca's hope waver slightly, but she was not giving up. This was too important. As the agents worked furiously to locate cars for everyone waiting, Bianca pulled out her cellphone and called home.
"Hey."
Bianca smiled hearing the voice on the other end of the line. "Hey."
"I heard about the storm. Where are you? Are you someplace safe and warm?" Marissa worried.
"I'm fine. I'm currently stuck at the airport in Philadelphia, and my flight has been cancelled. I'm not giving up though. I'm in line to hopefully get a rental car."
"Are the roads even good enough to drive? Because if they're not, I don't want you driving. As much as I want you home, I want you safe more."
"I know, but I'm hearing the roads between here and home are actually okay right now. The real question is whether or not I'll be able to get a car. The line's pretty long. It seems I'm not the only one with this idea."
Marissa could hear the blend of anxiousness, hopefulness, and a little doubt in her wife's voice. "Babe, I know you want to get home and be here for Danny's first Christmas, but it's not worth you getting hurt or stressing yourself out. We can always celebrate it when you get home. The important thing is that you're okay. If you manage to get a car but find the roads are too bad, promise me that you'll stop and get a room. You mean so much more to me than any holiday."
"I promise, but I'm going to do everything I can to get home to you and the kids in time for Christmas, safely." Bianca added the last part quickly knowing that Marissa was getting ready to protest her statement.
"You better mean safely."
"I do. I promise." Bianca stated honestly. "What's the weather like there?"
"Just light snow right now. The kids are a little disappointed because there's not enough for some good sledding according to Miranda, a good snowball fight according to AJ, or a good snowman according to Gabby. Danny is pretty is indifferent at the moment and taking a nap. Naturally, they are hoping for a lot more overnight because of those other activities, but Gabby also really wants more because she believes that will help Santa and his reindeer as they make their rounds. As for me, I don't care about a white Christmas. I just want you here."
"That makes two of us." Bianca smiled as she heard Gabby calling her redheaded mother. "What's that about?"
"Lunch."
Bianca checked the time. "Oh, it is lunchtime. What's on the menu today?"
"An oldie but a goodie, grilled cheese and tomato soup."
"Yum. One of my favorites. It sounds really good right about now."
"Make sure you get something to eat."
"I will. I promise. I'll grab something as soon as I find something out about a car. I don't want to chance getting out of line and losing my place. You better go and feed our minions. Give them all a hug and a kiss for me and tell them that I love them."
"You know that I will. Call me when you know something one way or the other?"
"You'll be the first call I make. I love you, Rissa."
"I love you too, B."
/
The way it looked at the moment, Bianca most likely wouldn't make it home today, and both women couldn't help but be disheartened by the prospect of that. Christmas Eve was and would always be special to the couple. It was the night that had changed their lives forever. It was the night they confessed their feelings for each other. They had wanted to be more than friends, and they were willing to risk their hearts one more time. Something had told them that this time would be different. That this time, it would be right. Neither woman was perfect, nor would they ever pretend to be, and they would be the first to admit that. But together, they were. They were like puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly. They were in love, wonderfully, hopelessly, head over heels in love, and it was something they could neither hide nor deny any longer. The couple had gathered their courage that special night and took that leap of faith. It had been worth it. They would never forget that night and celebrated it every Christmas Eve since.
/
Marissa sighed as she disconnected the call. She really wanted Bianca home tonight for their private Christmas Eve celebration, and if she couldn't be home for that, then she at least wanted her home Christmas Day. It was Danny's first one, and they had been looking forward to them all being together for it. As much as she wanted that however, the redhead wanted Bianca to be safe more. If that meant her wife not making home in time to celebrate on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, then so be it. They would celebrate it whenever she got home.
"Ma?"
"Hey, Monkey. What's up?"
"Have you heard from Mom?"
"I just got off the phone with her."
"Really? Where is she? Is she going to make it home in time?"
"At the moment, she's stuck in Philadelphia. Her flight has been cancelled, and she's trying to rent a car so she can drive home. A lot of other people are doing the same thing too though so she's not sure if she's going to be able to get one. If she does get one, we still don't know when she'll get home. The weather is getting bad between here and Philadelphia. If the roads are too bad, I told her to stop and get a room. We all want her home, but I don't want her driving if it's not safe. Do you understand?"
Gabby nodded. "Yeah, I do. I want her to be careful."
"Want who to be careful?" Miranda asked as joined them in the kitchen.
"Mom."
Miranda looked at Marissa with a mixture of confusion and concern. "Why? Is something wrong? Is Mom okay?"
Marissa motioned her over and gave her a reassuring hug. "I just talked to her, and your Mom is fine. Her flight from Philadelphia was cancelled though, and she's trying to rent a car to get home."
"There's going to be a lot of snow there." AJ said as he joined them.
"Yes, there is, and that's why I told her that if it's too bad to stop and find a place to stay. If that happens, it means she might not make it home tomorrow. Now, I know it's Christmas, and that all of you are excited to see what Santa brought. I don't feel right though having Christmas without your Mom. So, I was thinking you could open up a couple of things tomorrow if she's not here, but we would hold off on our big celebration until your Mom is home. What do think?"
The three oldest Tasker-Montgomery children glanced at each other and nodded. It was an easy decision for them. Miranda, their spokesperson, gave their redheaded mother their answer.
"We're okay with that. We just want Mom home safe. That's what really matters the most."
Marissa smiled proudly and hugged all three. They really were on the mature side for their ages, but they had been through things that other children their ages had not. "Thank you, and I couldn't agree more. She wanted me to tell all of you that she loves you. Okay, I don't know about you, but I'm starving."
"Me too!" AJ answered dramatically.
"Why am I not surprised?" Marissa laughed. "Would the three of you please wash up and then come back, set the table and get us all something to drink?"
The kids nodded and raced to the hall bathroom to wash their hands.
The redhead turned her attention back to the stove and turned up the heat, which she had turned down while she talked with Bianca, on the tomato soup. She had just finished assembling the cheese on the bread to be placed on the griddle by the time the kids returned to set about their tasks. When everything was done, the four sat down to eat.
"Ma, do you think Santa could help Mom?" Gabby asked.
"Hmmm. This is Santa's busiest day of the year, and he has a pretty tight schedule to keep so he can deliver presents to boys and girls all over the world. Your Mom has been awfully good this year though. If there's any way he can, I'm sure that Santa will help her."
Gabby grinned at the response. She had faith that Santa Claus would help her Mom get home or at the very least keep her safe.
"Do you think we're going to get a lot of snow, Ma?" Miranda asked.
"I'm not sure. If the meteorologists are right with their forecasts, we should get at least a couple of inches. I don't know if that will be enough for everything you were hoping to do, but we'll come up with something."
AJ dunked part of his grilled cheese into his tomato soup. "Are we still gonna bake cookies?"
"Of course we are. Santa will be expecting them. We're going to start on them after lunch, and Jo and Jessica will be coming over to help us. You have presents you need to wrap too."
The kids had pooled their money together, along with a little extra from their mothers, to buy presents for their extended family members. The gifts weren't anything big or fancy, but the kids wanted to get them something. They also wanted to get their mothers something and had help from Jo and Jessica this year. The Sheltons were excited to be having their first Christmas in Pine Valley, and although Greg was still living in New York, he was on winter break and had driven down earlier in the week to be with them.
When lunch was over, the kids hustled up to Miranda's room to wrap their presents. Marissa had just finished cleaning the kitchen when she heard Danny over the baby monitor. The redhead sighed as she headed up to his room. She really hoped that Bianca would be able to safely make it home by tomorrow.
/
Bianca disconnected the call and sighed when she looked at the line again. She had to get home. She'd prefer it would be tonight because Christmas Eve was the night that she and Marissa admitted their feelings for each other, and the couple had an annual private celebrate to commemorate the special night. If it couldn't be today though, she would most definitely settle for tomorrow. The brunette was pulled out of her thoughts by an unfamiliar voice.
"Is everything alright?" An older woman with white hair in line in front of her was looking expectantly at Bianca.
"Oh, I was just talking to my wife and letting her know what's going on travel-wise."
"You seem sad."
"Our kids are excited about Santa Claus, the snow and everything we do Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Plus, we just had a baby earlier this year, and …"
The woman smiled knowingly. "Your baby's first Christmas, and you're afraid you're going to miss it."
"Yes, I really want to be there."
"I understand. This is a special time of year, and a first Christmas is definitely something you don't want to miss."
Bianca nodded and held out her hand. "I'm Bianca, by the way."
The older woman took the offered hand. "It's nice to meet you, Bianca. I'm Eileen."
"It's very nice to meet you, Eileen."
"So where is home?"
"Pine Valley. What about you?"
Eileen chuckled. "Well, I live here. You're not going to believe this though, but I'm headed to Center City."
Bianca smiled at the mention of the town that was right next door to hers. "Really? Small world."
"Yes, it is."
"So, who's in Center City?"
"My granddaughter Lauren and her family. I'm hoping to see them and spend some time spoiling my great grandchildren."
"How many does she have?"
"Two, twin girls. Oh, I have a picture." Eileen pulled out her cellphone and displayed a picture of twin blonde girls with big dimples.
"They're adorable."
Eileen smiled proudly. "Yes, they are. They're a little older now than they were in this. Could I see your children?"
"I thought you'd never ask." Bianca grinned brought up the picture that Jessica had taken of the family around Halloween.
"Oh my, they are precious, especially your littlest one. I love the koala bear costume."
Bianca smiled brightly. "My wife made it. Marissa didn't like the ones we saw in the stores or online. So, she decided to do it herself. I think she did an amazing job, if I do say so myself."
"I agree."
"Next." A clerk behind the counter called out.
"You're up!" Bianca smiled as Eileen glanced over and saw the opening.
Eileen walked over to the clerk with a relieved smile on her face. After a few minutes however, Bianca could tell something was wrong. Eileen walked away dejected as another clerk called out.
"Next."
Bianca stepped up.
"This seems like it might be your lucky day. You have the last rental car. Are you okay driving a SUV?"
"Really?! Oh, that's so great. Yes, yes, I am."
"Alright, I just need your driver's license and a credit card."
/
About an hour after lunch, Marissa's cellphone rang, and a look at the caller id told her it was her wife.
"Hey."
"Hey, yourself."
"Any news on the car?"
"I got the last one."
"Seriously?! Oh, Bianca, that's great." Marissa could hear the relief in her wife's voice.
"Yep, it's a good thing I'm comfortable driving a SUV in this weather because it was the only thing they had left. It seems like Danny being born in a snowstorm actually worked out. So, step one is complete! I'm grabbing a quick bite and then I'll be hitting the road."
"I'm be sure to thank him for that. Please be careful. The latest weather report said that the snow has picked up between here and Philadelphia. So if it's too bad, pull over."
"Really? All right. I'll get something to go and then head out. I promise I'll be careful and will pull over if I have to. I love you and will see you soon. If anything changes though, I'll call you."
"Drive safe. I love you too, and I'll be waiting up, no matter how late."
AJ bounded down the stairs just as his redheaded mother ended her call. "Was that Mom?"
"It was, and she was able to get a car. So, she'll be on her way really soon."
"Good!"
"Are you done wrapping your presents?"
"Yep. Miranda and Gabby will be down in a minute."
"Okay. Go wash your hands and meet Danny and me in the kitchen. Jo and Jessica will be here soon to help us bake cookies and start prepping for tomorrow." Marissa picked up her youngest son and headed into the kitchen. Before she started all of that however, the redhead had a call to make.
/
Bianca smiled as she disconnected her call with Marissa. Step one was complete and now she needed to get moving. After stopping at the ladies' room, Bianca headed to the coffee shop. The brunette paid for a sandwich and drink and was walking out of the shop when she spotted Eileen. She remembered seeing the woman walking away from the rental car agency and the upset look on her face. Bianca took a brief detour and made her way to the older woman.
"Eileen, is everything alright?"
"Oh, Bianca, yes, it's fine."
"Why don't I believe you?"
Eileen chuckled. "When he was alive, my husband always said I was a lousy liar and had the worst poker face."
"Care to tell me what's wrong?"
"The last car available was a SUV. I had to have my shoulder replaced last year, and ever since then, I've found it's hard for me to drive larger vehicles. Since it was the only thing available, it looks like I'll be staying here in Philadelphia."
Bianca connected the dots. Her good fortune had come at the expense of Eileen's misfortune. It only took her a split second to make up her mind. "You said you were going to Center City, right?"
"Yes, I did."
"What do you say about driving with me and keeping me company?"
"What?"
"Well, because of you, I got the last car."
"Oh good. I'm glad you were able to get it. You should be able to make it home in time now for Christmas."
"Hopefully. I talked to my wife, and she said the snow was picking up. So, what do you say? Keep me company?"
"I couldn't ask you to do that. It's out of your way."
"It really isn't, at least not that much. Besides, you'll be helping me stay awake, and it's always nice to have company on a long drive. I know we don't really know each other, but Rissa has always said I'm a good judge of character. And you seem like a good person, someone I can trust. Besides, it's Christmas. You should be with family and not stuck in an airport alone, and it looks like you'll be stuck for quite a while judging by the line of people I saw waiting for cabs." Bianca looked at the older woman hopefully. She reminded her of her grandmother, Mona Tyler.
Eileen looked at the brunette and smiled. Something was telling her that Bianca was indeed someone she could trust. She reminded her of her granddaughter. "Okay, but only if you let me pay for the gas."
"Deal. Oh, I did promise my wife that I would stop if the weather got too bad. I hope that's okay. We can share a room if that's all right with you."
"Of course it is, and as well you should. You need to think about your wife and children. Christmas can be celebrated once you get home safely."
Bianca smiled. "That's pretty much what Rissa said."
"Well, she's a very smart woman. Oh, and sharing a room is just fine with me if we need to."
"Good. I picked up a sandwich and something to drink for the road. Do you want to grab something for yourself?"
"Are you sure we have time?"
"Positive. We even have time for you to stop at the ladies' room if you need to."
"Oh, that's a very good idea."
"I could get you something to eat while you do that if you want."
"Only if you're sure. It would save us a little time." Seeing Bianca nod, Eileen pulled a few dollars from her wallet and handed them to the brunette along with her order.
The two met up a few minutes later. Bianca insisted on carrying the bag with their food and drinks as they headed to their car. Once they located their rental, Eileen took the bag from the coffee shop and got in the passenger seat while Bianca loaded their luggage before she got in the driver's seat. While the car warmed up, the women ate their sandwiches and chatted. When they were done eating, Bianca turned to the older woman.
"Are you ready to get this show on the road?"
Eileen smiled and nodded. "I am. Do you want me to try and find a radio station with some Christmas music?"
"That's a good idea. It will help us get in the holiday mood." Bianca put the car in gear and pulled out of their parking spot.
/
Erica shook her head as she watched the latest weather report. It was getting worse in New York City and was beginning to bear down on Philadelphia. The diva's thoughts immediately turned to her youngest daughter, and she couldn't help but worry about Bianca. Erica smiled when she thought of her daughter and how much she loved this time of year as well as how much she had been looking forward to spending time with her family and celebrating Danny's first Christmas. If the reports were accurate, airports were beginning to cancel flights and shut down which would leave thousands of travelers stranded. Bianca would be crushed if she couldn't be home for Christmas, and the children would be as well. Erica needed an update and knew the best person to call for one, her daughter-in-law.
"Hi, Erica."
"Hello, Marissa. Have you heard from Bianca?"
"I just got off the phone with her and was getting ready to call you and then Kendall. She made it to Philadelphia, but her flight out of there has been cancelled. You know your daughter though, she's not letting that stop her. Bianca was able to rent a car, a SUV. She's going to grab something quick to eat and then head home."
"That is wonderful news." Erica was relieved to hear that.
"Yes, it definitely is. As wonderful as it is however, I know the roads are starting to get bad. I made her promise to stop for the night if they get too bad. As much as I want her home, I know we all want her home in one piece more."
"I couldn't agree with you more about that, dear. How did she sound?"
"Relieved. She wants to get home, and now at least, she feels like she's doing something to make that happen."
"She definitely is my daughter. How are you doing?"
"Like Bianca, I'm relieved." Marissa paused. She and her mother-in-law had always been straight with each other, and the redhead didn't see any reason for that to stop now. "And I'm still a little worried. I know Bianca is a good driver, but you never know about the others out there on the road. To be honest, I won't stop worrying until she's home."
Erica smiled. Her daughter-in-law's honesty when it came to her daughter warmed the diva's heart. "That would make two of us. We both need to take a page from Bianca and have faith that she will make it home in time, and more importantly, safe and sound. How are the children?"
"You're right. As for the kids, they're good, for the most part. They're worried about Bianca making it home, but the excitement over the prospect of a white Christmas and fact that tomorrow is Christmas Day is building. They're not bouncing off the walls yet, but they're close. Danny is definitely feeling that vibe. He knows something is going on, but he's not quite sure what."
Erica chuckled. "Well, my grandson is very smart as well as sensitive, just like both of his mothers. Now, I know that you are shorthanded with Bianca not there at the moment. Do you need any help?"
"Jo and Jessica are coming over shortly to help us bake cookies and to help with prep work for tomorrow. I can't tell you how grateful I am for that. You and I both know that no matter what time Bianca gets home that she will still want to help. She's going to be exhausted though, and I don't want her worrying about anything. With Jo and Jessica helping, I should have most of it under control. You are more than welcome to come over though. I definitely won't turn down your help."
"Very good. Let me wrap up a few things here, and then, I'll be over. Would you like me to call Kendall and give her an update on Bianca?"
"Oh, that would be great, and I would really appreciate it."
"Consider it done then. In the meantime if you need anything else, don't hesitate to call."
"I'll call if I need anything. Thank you, Erica. Just talking to you has helped more than I can say."
"You're very welcome, dear. I'll see you soon."
/
Miranda opened the door and smiled as she motioned Jo and Jessica inside. She had been on her way to the kitchen when she heard someone knocking on the door. "Hi. I'm glad you could come over. We can definitely use your help since Mom's not home yet."
"Have you heard from her?" Jessica asked as she handed her coat to Jo who hung it up alongside hers in the hall closet.
"AJ said Ma told him she just got off the phone with her, and that she was on her way home."
Jo sighed in relief. "That's good news. Where's Marissa?"
"In the kitchen. We're getting ready to start making cookies." Miranda led the women into the kitchen where they found Marissa and the other three Tasker-Montgomery children.
"Now this is what I call perfect timing." Marissa smiled when she saw Jo and Jessica.
"Miranda did say we were just in time for making cookies. This has always been one of my favorite things to do for Christmas. Remember when we were growing up?" Jo asked.
"I do. We would take turns going over to each other's houses to make them. Mom loved it."
Jessica nodded. "Yes, she did, and so did I. As I seem to recall, your father loved it even more."
Marissa laughed. "Yeah, he did. He was in charge of 'quality control'."
Jo looked at the kids and smiled. "That's what he said so he could score extra cookies. When he thought no one was looking, I would see him breaking some."
"Why would Grandpa do that?" AJ asked.
"Broken cookies weren't good enough for Santa, but they were good enough for Marissa's dad."
Marissa shook her head when she saw her three oldest children grin. "Don't get any ideas."
Jessica finished washing and drying her hands and turned to Marissa. "Miranda said Bianca is on her way home."
"Yes, she is. She was able to get a rental and is driving home from Philadelphia. I'm not quite sure when she'll be home, but she's on her way."
Jo leaned in close and whispered to her friend. "Bianca will be just fine."
"I know." Marissa took a deep breath and nodded. "Okay. Let's make cookies!"
/
"Thanks for calling, Mom. Tell Marissa if she needs anything to let me know." Kendall disconnected the call with Erica and saw an expectant looking Zach.
"News about Bianca?" Zach asked as he gave Lexie a bottle.
"Yes. She made it to Philadelphia before they started closing airports. It looked like she was going to be stuck there, but my little sister was able to get the last rental car there. She's on her way home."
"That's good news. You're still worried though."
Kendall nodded as she sat next to her husband. "News reports are saying the roads are getting bad in the Philadelphia area."
"I understand, but I want you to listen to me. Bianca is a very good driver. She may be anxious to get home, but she will also be safe and smart about it. Bianca knows she has a lot people here that love her and need her. Because of that, she will take her time getting home. Besides, you know that Marissa probably made her promise to pull over and stop for the night if it gets too bad. We both know the one thing your sister is incapable of doing is breaking a promise to Marissa." Zach added with a smile.
Kendall chuckled. "You're right, about all of it. You're especially right about my sister. The last thing Bianca will ever do is break a promise to Marissa, and I know it's the same with Marissa."
"Yeah, that's true. Does Marissa need anything?"
"No, Mom said she told her she was okay. Jo and Jessica were already going over today to help so that worked out. Mom is also going to stop over and help a little. Marissa told her to tell me to stay home because of the kids. She also said she'll let me know when she hears from Bianca again. It probably won't be for a while though. Bianca doesn't like to be on the phone when she's driving that much so I know there's no way she'll be doing that in this weather."
"See. Like I said, smart." Zach set Lexie's bottle down and began to gently burp her.
Before Kendall could respond, she heard Spike call out for her.
"Mom!"
"I better go see what he needs." Kendall gave Zach a quick kiss and smiled as he made faces at their daughter. Lexie giggled at her father. Zach loved the boys, but Lexie had him wrapped around her little finger from the moment he laid eyes on her. Kendall chuckled to herself before she headed upstairs to see what her oldest son needed.